Self-Guided Garden District Walking Tour

The Garden District is a picturesque part of Uptown New Orleans bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Magazine Street, and Louisiana Avenue. Within its walls you’ll find dozens of shops and restaurants paired with the backdrop of historic architecture and dreamy live oaks. Not to be confused with the neighboring Lower Garden District, this is a sub-neighborhood all its own.

1. The Daily Beet

Start with breakfast at The Daily Beet. This local spot serves breakfast and brunch all day. Enjoy banana oatmeal pancakes, avocado toast, and one of their bowls, including acai, golden hash, and a morning variety. They also serve coffee, tea, cold-pressed juices, and superfood smoothies.

2. NOLA Tours

With homebase in the Garden District, you’re in the perfect place for the Garden District Architecture Walking Tour! Learn about the history of the neighborhood and the homes within it. See the difference between Greek Revival and Italianate style architecture and enjoy stops at Commander’s Palace, Lafayette Cemetery, and more.

3. Lunch on Magazine Street

For lunch, choose from empanadas at Empanola, Creole cuisine at Joey K’s, or Caribbean tacos at The Rum House.

4.  Shopping on Magazine Street

You can’t visit this stretch of Magazine Street without getting your shop on! Browse clothing at Funky Monkey, Lucy Rose, and Hemline, souvenirs at Fleurty Girl, stationery and knick knacks at Slow Down, and art at Zele. 

5. Buckner Mansion

Ever felt like a coven needed a new Supreme more than a new rug? If that rings a bell, you've probably seen “American Horror Story: Coven.” Set right here in New Orleans, the majestic Buckner Mansion served as the iconic home for the girls. Built in 1856 for Henry Sullivan Buckner, a cotton magnate who clearly aimed to outdo his rival, Frederick Stanton. Later, it transformed into a business school and eventually a private residence. 

6. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with Save Our Cemeteries, a department of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans and the cemetery’s sole tour provider. This historic, city-owned cemetery was established in 1833 and offers a remarkable window into the people, traditions and architecture that shaped New Orleans. Led by expert guides with deep knowledge of the city’s history and cemeteries, the tour brings Lafayette No. 1’s above-ground tombs, historic societies, and notable residents to life with thoughtful, historically grounded storytelling. See here for more information.

7. The Rink

The Rink is a shopping center that’s been a gathering place in the Garden District since 1884. It houses Chicory House, Garden District Book Shop, and other stores. The book shop features regular author signings, readings, and other events, with a focus on local authors. They even have a bar now operating inside their shop! Think, cocktail in hand, surrounded by books, cozy vibe.

8. Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace is a well-known staple in the city that has more than earned its position as such. The Commander’s legacy began when Ella, Dottie, Dick, and John Brennan took over the space in 1974, and that legacy has continued under cousins and co-owners Ti Martin and Lally Brennan. Dine on Creole classics like turtle soup, gumbo, pecan crusted Gulf fish, and Creole bread pudding soufflé. Come for jazz brunch or for their 25-cent martini lunches. For dinner, order a la carte or opt for Chef Meg’s Playground Tasting Menu, an unforgettable multi-course meal. Short on time? Visit Le Petit Bleu, their café-style outpost located just next door. 

9. Bars on Magazine Street

Keep the party going with a stop at a bar on Magazine Street: The Bulldog, Rendezvous Tavern, or The Channel. Grab a pint and catch the game.

10. Sports Drink

Sports Drink is a local comedy club and hangout spot with live shows, plus trivia and bingo. Pro tip: it’s a coffee shop by day, so if comedy isn’t your thing, stop in for a latte!

10. Ride the Streetcar

All aboard! Hop on the streetcar for a quintessential New Orleans experience. You'll be treated to the enchanting sight of St. Charles Avenue flanked by majestic oak trees. Ride from one neighborhood to another in classic New Orleans fashion;